Masters in Interior Design in UK: Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Eligibility & Scope 2025
Masters in Interior Design in UKMasters in interior design in the UK is a one year postgraduate course provided in leading institutions such as royal college of art, university of arts London, Glasgow school of art and many others. The QS World University Rankings 2024 sorts these universities among the top 15 in the arts and design category in the world.
To get into the program, you must have a 4-year bachelor degree with an average of 65-70% with a 6.0-6.5 band in IELTS or 79-93 in TOEFL IBT. Initially Indian students who have received 70-80 marks in the higher secondary English can be granted exemption on the submission of IELTS/TOEFL scores. The university with the highest MBA study cost is University of the Arts London and Royal College of Art, which costs an annual tuition fee of 32,260 GBP (35.51 lakhs INR) and 35,950 GBP (39.57 lakhs INR) respectively to study Masters of Interior Design. Cheaper alternatives can be found at Teesside, York St. John University, and De Montfort at an annual cost ranging between 10,000 to 15,900 GBP (11 lakhs to 17.50 lakhs INR). Application fee of approximately 50 to 348 GBP (5,506 to 38,325 INR) is required by University of Hertfordshire, University of Westminster and Royal College of Art unlike the majority of UK Universities.
To secure employment upon a Master of Design in UK, one has to undertake a minimum of 2 years of work experience. After the completion of this, one has to undergo the Architect Registration Exam in order to acquire an Architect license in UK. You can earn a salary of 18,000 to 23,000 GBP (19.83 lakhs to 25.43 lakhs INR) per year as a fresh graduate but those with experience earn between 25,000 and 40,000 GBP (27.55 lakhs and 44 lakhs INR). In UK, interior designers can start a business on their own or join a commercial and construction firms, government firms, theatres, hotel and leisure industries etc.
Masters in Interior Design in UK: Highlights
UK postgraduate interior design courses offer creative studio based learning along with technical knowledge. The summary is here:
Aspect | Details |
Duration | 1–2 years |
Top Institutions | Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Northumbria University, Middlesex University |
Average Tuition Fees | £18,000–£32,000 per year (~₹17–30 L) masters interior design UK fees |
Intake Seasons | September 2025, January 2026 (limited) |
Mode | Full‑time studio + seminars |
This brings into perspective a clear picture of a UK interior design master cost Indian students and what you should expect in a masters interior design UK fees.
Masters in Interior Design in UK – Important Dates and Events
Applications to study Masters in Interior Design in the UK usually run between the fall of 2024 to the spring of 2025 with the majority of universities having their deadlines during the summer of 2025 but the specific application time frame will vary with various universities having different deadlines. Applicants overseas are encouraged to submit at least 3-4 months before the commencement of the program.
Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities
- Application Deadlines: The majority of the university in the UK start accepting the applications to the postgraduate courses during the fall to the most part of the year between September or October to the end of the year.
- Application Deadlines: Depending on the university, they can be anywhere between January 2025 and June 2025, with a number of university application deadlines falling in either of June 2025 or June 2025 (depending on the university). Universities might each roll admissions, whereas others have a cut-off date.
- Starting September 2025: a significant number of masters courses in Interior Design in the UK commence in September 2025.
Depends on the program; see dates at any institution for direct dates of applying to master interior design UK universities.
Visa Application Timeline
The student visa application process should be initiated after receiving an offer from a UK university and can take several weeks or even months.
- Receive offer: Obtaining an offer to pursue a Master in Interior Design in a British university.
- Apply for Visa: Make a Visa application for a Tier 4 (General) student visa or the suitable visa on origin, and situation.
- Collect Documents: Collect all documents required to apply to the visa, passport, offer letter, proof of financial stability, and English language proficiency test result (IELTS or TOEFL or PTE).
- Submit Application: Fill in the visa application, also do the payment online.
- Interview (in case of necessity): Interview is a part of the visa process that some applicants may be needed to attend.
- Get Visa: Before going to the UK, acquire the visa.
Scholarship Deadline for 2025
There are varied scholarship deadlines with some merit-based scholarships such as the GyanDhan and Marshall Scholarships occurring in August and September 2025 respectively, and others whose deadlines appear in May 2026 such as at Loughborough University Global Impact Scholarship.
- GyanDhan Scholarship: August 31, 2025.
- Marshall Scholarships: September 18, 2025.
- Chevening Scholarship: Interview between March 2025 and April 2025, and final result in June 2025 and the acceptance deadline of the scholarship is July 2025.
- Loughborough University Global Impact Scholarship: May 6, 2026.
Masters in Interior Design in UK Fees
There are over 30 universities in the UK where a Masters in Interior Design is offered.
Universities | Program | Annual Tuition Fees (GBP) | Weekly Shared Accommodation Cost (GBP) | Cost of Living Per Year (GBP) |
Manchester Metropolitan University | MA Interiors | £20,00 (22 lakhs INR) | £137 - £198 (15,072 - 21,783 INR) | £9,207 (1.01 lakhs INR) |
Nottingham Trent University | M.A Interior Architecture and Design | £17,500 (19.28 lakhs INR) | £129 - £155 (14,199 - 17,061 INR) | £5,376 - £6,432 (5.91 lakhs - 7.08 lakhs INR) |
Kingston University | M.A Interior Design | £21,800 (23.99 lakhs INR) | £126 - £320 (13,869 - 35,224 INR) | £6,500 - £10,000 (7.15 lakhs - 11.88 lakhs INR) |
Sheffield Hallam University | MA Design (Interior) | £17,205 (18.94 lakhs INR) | £91 to £190 (10,016 - 20,914 INR) | £10,800 (11.88 lakhs INR) |
Coventry University | MA Interior Design | £18,600 (20.53 lakhs INR) | £275 - £365 (30,361 - 40,297 INR) | £15,180 to £16,800 (16.75 lakhs - 18.54 lakhs INR) |
University of Westminster | M.A Interior Design | £17,000 (18.71 lakhs INR) | £198.59 - £395.01 (21,860 - 43,481 INR) | £14,100 - 33,787 (15.52 lakhs - 37.19 lakhs INR) |
University of Portsmouth | MA Interior Architecture and Design | £17,200 (18.95 lakhs INR) | £114 - £200 (12,548 - 22,015 INR) | £7,200 – £11,240 (7.92 lakhs - 12.37 lakhs INR) |
University of Lincoln | M.A Interior Architecture and Design | £17,600 (19.37 lakhs INR) | £99 - £186 (10,897 - 20,474 INR) | £14,856 - £18,396 (16.35 lakhs - 20.24 lakhs INR) |
University of Huddersfield | MA Interior Design | £17,600 (19.37 lakhs INR) | £340 (37,425 INR) | £12,000 - £18,000 (13.20 lakhs - 19.81 lakhs INR) |
Anglia Ruskin University | MA Interior Design Innovation | £19,500 (21.46 lakhs INR) | £108 - £266 (11,881 - 29,264 INR) | £7,440 – £22,456 (8.18 lakhs - 24.70 lakhs INR) |
Cost of Living in UK
In London and Manchester, accommodation cost is slightly higher and weekly rent in private apartments is 205-753 GBP (22,688- 83,010 INR) and shared apartments at 208-420 GBP (22,918-46,278).
In Edinburgh, Leicester, Cardiff and Glasgow there are affordable housing options of starting at weekly rental rate of 95 GBP (10,467 INR) in shared apartments and 113 GBP (12,451 INR) in a private apartment.
Cities | Apartment Type | Rent Per Week (GBP) |
London | Private | 215 - 753 |
Shared | 208 - 420 | |
Edinburgh | Private | 113 - 420 |
Shared | 199 - 398 | |
Cardiff | Private | 136 - 234 |
Shared | 129 - 327 | |
Cambridge | Private | 173 - 427 |
Shared | 124 - 290 | |
Oxford | Private | 207 - 276 |
Shared | 153 - 225 | |
Manchester | Private | 205 - 313 |
Shared | 272 - 298 | |
Birmingham | Private | 179 - 240 |
Shared | 156 - 202 | |
Glasgow | Private | 130 - 595 |
Shared | 185 - 260 | |
Leicester | Private | 115 - 320 |
Shared | 95 - 200 |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Indian students get a wide range of scholarships through university funding as well as external available sources with regard to academic merit. Some of the well-known scholarships in UK that Indian students may be awarded are provided below:
Scholarships | Eligibility Criteria | Award |
Chevening Scholarship | Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience | 18,000 GBP per year |
Commonwealth Scholarship | Must hold permanent residency of commonwealth country | Honours equivalent bachelor’s degree | 1,110 GBP per month |
UK-India TOEFL Scholarship | Must be an Indian students with TOEFL score of 75 | 2.5 lakhs (2,270 GBP) |
GREAT Scholarships | Must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate interest in the field of study | Candidate must be willing to attend networking event with British Council for all GREAT scholars based in UK | 10,000 GBP |
Why Choose Masters in Interior Design in UK?
By undertaking your study in the United Kingdom, you will have access to an evolving multicultural design community besides giving you advanced design skills. The range of projects and career opportunities available will determine the view and career range, ranging between contemporary market structures and restoration to historic buildings.
- Good career: The career opportunities of students who desire to study masters in interior design in the UK are also very promising. According to the held statistics, the number of career opportunities in the UK is likely to increase in the next year by 20-35 percent. It will be a good indication that a lot of vacancies in interior designing will exist in the UK considering that there are a lot of construction projects being undertaken both in the country and in the rural and urban settings.
- Big exposure: This is one of the advantages of taking an interior design course in the UK. Being an interior designer, they also work with numerous professionals in the field of design. As such, a graduate will be equipped with vast experience, learning new things and will also get a chance to associate with the educated clients, engineers, and architects. Having acquired a degree in interior design in the UK, students are able to get massive exposure through their ideas and innovativeness.
- Wide industry: Being a student of interior design study, they will have an opportunity to be employed in various sectors that include restaurants, business centres, education sector, health of the community and so on. In addition, students will also get an opportunity to meet and network with individuals in different sectors.
- Innovation and sustainability: A UK-based interior design degree will provide enough means to bring creativity and imagination to its full capacity and to develop exclusive ideas. The UK has been in the forefront in terms of innovation that is sustainable and environmentally friendly design methods in architecture and design. Moreover, the exposure provided in UK universities is massive and students gain practical experience in the field.
- An opportunity to complete various projects: A fresh graduate in interior design should treat a project as a challenging project. In the best UK university to study masters in interior design, the students will be informed about challenges they will face in future works upon attaining the masters program.
- Professional development: The UK boasts of excellent professional development organisations who take care of its members, offer resources and ongoing education opportunities, including the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD).
Also Read :
Other Popular Countries for Studying Masters in Interior Design
Masters in Interior Design in UK Qualification
To study a Master in Interior Design in the UK, you are likely to require a Bachelor degree with a preferred design-related degree and good command of English language.
Bachelor's Degree:
It is often requested to have a bachelor degree in interior design, architecture, graphic design, or a similar area. Other bachelor degrees also might be considered at some universities in the case of relevant experience in design or design course work.
Academic Transcripts:
You must submit documents showing educational records of your past studies such as your bachelor degree and any other comparable qualification.
Ability to communicate in English:
International students usually are required to show their level of proficiency in the English language with international standards (such as IELTS, usually with a total score 6.0, with no band less than 5.5), TOEFL, etc.
Portfolio:
A portfolio of your design work is more or less required to show your ability and your experience.
Personal Statement:
You will be required to write a personal statement on why you are interested in the program and career objectives.
Letters of Recommendation:
Letters of recommendations may be required by some universities either academic or professional.
Interview:
There are also universities that might insist on an interview as a part of the application process.
Masters in Interior Design in UK Eligibility Criteria – Category‑wise
Most students applying to a Master in Interior Design in the UK require a relevant higher education degree (or equivalent) at least at the 2:1 level and students may be required to prove their English competency via standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Experience and portfolio of design skill are usually quite important.
1. Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree:
Normally, a 2:1 or higher in a related subject such as: Interior Design, Architecture, 3D Design, is required. Other universities can accept other degrees relating to design with relevant experience in design.
- Equivalent Qualifications:
Equivalent requirements like a graduate diploma in one of the 3D design disciplines, or some prior professional experience can also be used.
2. Language proficiency in English
- IELTS: It is usually required to have a minimum score of 6.0 - 7.0, no band score can be lower than a specified level.
- TOEFL: The lowest score is supposed to be between 90-100.
- Other Tests: Universities are willing to accept such English proficiency tests as PTE, CAE, or CPE.
3. Work Experience:
- Portfolio: A portfolio of designs (2D and 3D) work plays a key role in showcasing an ability to perform in practice and being creative.
- Professional Experience- Experience in the work place or vocational training is usually desirable.
4. Additional Requirements:
- Passport and Visa: The international students require a valid passport and a student Visa to the UK.
- Personal Statement: A concise statement on why the particular university and course has been selected by the applicant is normally needed.
Masters in Interior Design in UK Application Process
You can seek admissions to Master of Interior Design during Autumn or Spring term as convenient.
- Every year the Fall semester starts in September and the Spring semester begins in January. In most cases there are no particular set deadlines to apply to admission into this course in the UK.
- The Indian students should apply in July or August to enroll in the Autumn term and between November to December to participate in the Spring term.
You are required to fill out your application on the official portal of the respective university online. The following are the documents that are needed when filing an application to be considered towards doing Masters of Interior Design in UK:
Application Requirements
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of references
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- English language test results
- Resume or CV
- Passport copy
SOP, LOR, and Resume
- Statement of purpose: Your design philosophy, influences and work goals
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation of academic or industry mentor
- Resume/CV: Because of the studio work, internships, skills in software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, adobe CC.
University‑Specific Admission Steps
Master in Interior Design education in the UK requires certain admission procedures, which differ by university with some slight changes. In most cases, it includes passing the requirements, provision of the necessary documents, and possibly an interviewing opportunity.
1. Programs and Universities of Research:
Find universities that provide your chosen Master program in the Interior Design. Ensure they have their special entry requirements such as academic qualifications, English language requirement, and portfolios.
2. Make Application documents:
Prepare documents that are needed:
- Academic Transcripts: Formal transcripts of the past institutions.
- Evidence of English Language: Scores of IELTS or TOEFL.
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose: A well composed essay on why you want to do the program and what you want to accomplish.
- Portfolio: A selection of the finest designs you have done so that they will show your talent and creativity.
- Resume/CV: Details of your study and working experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: A letter of suggestion by a professor or an employer who knows that you are able.
- Passport Copy: Copies of the passport as a form of identification.
- Financial Documents: Documents proving one has a sum of money to sustain his education and lifestream.
3. Submit Application:
Apply to the university with the help of the online portal of the university or UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) portal.
4. Interview (in the case of the need):
An interview may be a part of the selection process in some universities.
5. Receive Decision:
You will receive information about the decision of the universities concerned with your application.
6. Donate Offer and Apply:
In case of acceptance, you will be required to accept an offer and make the enrollment.
Top Masters Entrance Exams for UK
You will most likely have to prove your English language skills with exams, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL and possibly a portfolio and interview to study a Master in Interior Design in the UK. Although interior design programs do not have typical entrance exams, excellent academic performance, a useful undergraduate degree, and the ability to produce a compelling portfolio of your fields of design abilities is essential.
IELTS/TOEFL Tips
- IELTS: Usually the overall score is required at 6.0 or more with no band lower than 6.0.
- TOEFL: There is normally a requirement of a TOEFL score of 79 or more
Tips
- Start early:
- Start practising these exams very early in order to have enough time to practice and correct errors.
- Learn to know the test pattern:
- It is very important to know how the exams are organized and what kind of questions are there.
- Take time to concentrate on the weak areas:
- Figure out your weaknesses and make sure you spend additional time on them.
- Samples tests practise:
- Take sample tests and previous papers to prepare the exam conditions and determine your progress.
- Seek guidance:
- You should consider taking language courses or workshops in order to familiarize yourself with the language.
- Boost your writing
- Train yourself to write, and exercise other English activities to ensure you become fluent and correct.
- Train your speaking.
- Find people to chat to or language partners to practice fluency in the language.
- It does not require one to be afraid to seek assistance:
- Do not be afraid to ask teachers or language professionals to help you to understand any part of the exam if you have a problem.
Masters in Interior Design in UK Cutoff
IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs
University | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
Royal College of Art | 6.5 (min 5.5) | 88+ |
University of the Arts London | 6.5 (min 5.5) | 90+ |
Northumbria University | 6.5 (min 6.0) | 92+ |
Middlesex University | 6.5 (min 6.0) | 88+ |
Achieving or surpassing such scores is a sure way of increasing your opportunity towards high scholarships and masters placements UK salary results in interior design.
Masters in Interior Design in UK Seats
Seats in Public Universities
Public bodies (RCA, UAL) usually take 80-100 students yearly into their interior design MA/PGDip classes and of those up to 40% (about 24-32 students) are international.
Seats in Private Institutions
The smaller privately-owned colleges (e.g. Regent/s, London Metropolitan) will take 30-50 students a year, and will provide more individual studio experiences.
Masters in Interior Design in UK Syllabus
Core Courses
- Advanced Spatial Design
- Human Factors & Ergonomics
- Materials & Technologies
- Research Methods in Design
- Professional Practice & Law
Electives & Specializations
- Sustainable & Biophilic Design
- Lighting & Furniture Design
- Heritage & Conservation Interiors
- Digital Visualization & VR Environments
- Retail & Exhibition Design
Best Universities/Colleges for Masters in Interior Design in UK
The UK has more than 30 universities that provide a Masters in Interior Design program. The above is some of the best universities in QS Arts:
QS Arts and Design Rankings 2024 | Universities |
#51-100 | Manchester Metropolitan University |
#51-100 | Nottingham Trent University |
#101-150 | Kingston University |
#151-200 | Sheffield Hallam University |
#201-240 | Coventry University |
#201-240 | University of Westminster |
Global Rankings for Indian Applicants
Indian students will have the brand equity of RCA and UAL (top 3 in the world), and this will dramatically improve post-study career opportunities and masters courses interior design placements UK salary.
Masters in Interior Design in UK vs India (Comparison Table)
Factor | UK | India |
Tuition & Fees | £24,000–32,000/year (~₹24–32 L) | ₹2–5 Lakhs/year |
Curriculum | Research‑led, studio + theory | Studio‑focused, practice‑oriented |
Global Recognition | QS #1 RCA, #2 UAL | NAAC A++, limited global ranks |
Post‑study Work Rights | Graduate Route visa (2 years) | Student visa no post‑study work rights |
Placements & Salary | Avg £44,500/year [£23k–£45k] Indeed | Avg ₹3–7 L/year in top Indian metros |
Networking & Exposure | Access to global design weeks, studios, firms | Regional design schools & firms |
Career Scope After Masters in Interior Design in UK
Management Consulting
Design strategy jobs in consultancy roles (Accenture Interactive, Deloitte Digital) are based on your research and user‑centred design skills.
Finance/Banking
The fields of design associated with financial institutions are specialist work in design of banks branch, design of work space and corporate interiors.
Entrepreneurship
A lot of graduates start own small-scale studios, collections of products (furniture, lighting) or UX/UI consultancies- which are based on the credibility in the UK market.
Top Recruiters/Placement Companies
Graduates of interior design masters in UK are usually recruited:
- Large Design Firms: Gensler, HOK, Foster + Partners
- Consultancies: Arup, Buro Happold, Deloitte Digital
- Retail & Hospitality: IHG, Marriott, Selfridges
- Tech: Google (office design teams), Dyson
Masters in Interior Design in UK Salary Package
The following are some of the popular that can be pursued upon completion of Master's in Interior Design in UK:
Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (GBP) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
Interior Architect | 68,400 | 75.37 lakhs |
Interior Designer | 67,800 | 74.71 lakhs |
Architectural Designer | 80,900 | 89.15 lakhs |
Architectural Manager | 135,000 | 1.48 crores |
Interior Decorator | 64,900 | 71.52 lakhs |
Landscape Architect | 99,800 | 1.09 crores |
The interior design sector in UK is booming and more than 4,000 employment opportunities are available in the entire country. The latest figures show that 81 per cent of Interior design undergraduates who graduated in UK have found work within 15 months of graduating. Of the individuals who are employed, 45 per cent are employed in the Interior design sector. This demonstrates that an accomplishment in Masters in Interior Design is valuable to Indian students in the UK seeking employment opportunities that are high upon graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Does UK offer a good masters in interior design?
Ans. UK is among the finest place to accomplish a Masters degree in Interior Design course because it has world renowned top three universities that offer arts and design courses. According to the QS WUR by Subject Rankings 2024, the Royal College of Arts is the no. 1 in the world in Arts and Design rankings. It is second after University of the Arts (#2), and Glasgow School of Art (#13)
Ques. How can I be a certified interior designer in UK?
Ans. In the UK, you need a bachelors or masters degree in interior design and 2 years of experience as a trained interior designer to be a certified interior designer. Also, to gain employment as a registered Interior designer you are required to appear in the Architect Registration Exam.
Ques. Does interior designing have an opportunity in the UK?
Ans. Interior designing in UK has a big career structure and has a good job market. An Interior designer in UK, entry or placement graduate with a Masters degree earns an annual income 18000 - 23000 GBP (19.83 to 25.43 lakhs )INR per year. An experienced Interior designer base salary ranges 25000-40000 GBP (27.55 to 44 lakhs INR) per year.